Creating an Active Classroom

Creating an Active Classroom

Mollie Goen

Objectives

• need for activity/brain breaks

• making homemade equipment items

• safety assessment forms for playgrounds, gyms, and equipment

• class behavior management plan

Why do we need to create an active classroom?

• "short activity breaks during school improves concentration and behavior"

• recommended after 50 mins of study or transition between subjects

• "5-20 min breaks can improve attention span, classroom behavior, and achievement test scores"

Breaks and movement

• dance to music

• stretching/yoga

• worksheet stations

• any opportunity to move in academics

equipment

• balls out of paper

• beanbags in a sock

• milk jugs or bottles for noise makers

classroom management/functionality

• start and stop signals

• grouping students

• appropriate spacing

• handling equipment

• effective communication

• other helpful tools

Inappropriate practices

• elimination games

• throwing objects at one another

• activities that demean or embarrass

• long waiting periods

• exercise as punishment

• students captains

Safety

• free of hazards

• developmentally appropriate

• first aid kit at hand

• safety checklist

• daily inspections

behavior management

• classroom rules

• rewarding good behavior

• having a plan

"Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise saves and preserves it." -Plato

Multiple Select

Choose two reasons why teachers should include movement in their classroom.

• improves concentration skills

• improves classroom behavior

• minimizes participation

Multiple Choice

What is NOT a good way to include movement in your classroom?

• yoga

• run around the classroom

• march in place

• role play

Multiple Choice

True or False? The students should have equipment in their hands while you are delivering instruction.

• true

• false

Multiple Choice

True or False? Students should move in similar directions to eliminate crossing paths and running into one another

• True

• False

Multiple Select

Select all of the practices that are best for teaching an active lesson

• teacher moves throughout the lesson to see and help

• teacher sits behind desk and observes

• activity time is longer than instructions and management

• activity time is shorter than instructions and management

Multiple Choice

Which of these is an inappropriate practice of an active classroom?

• routines

• warming up

• positive feedback

• student captains

Multiple Choice

Which of these is NOT a safe practice for an active classroom?

• yearly inspections

• first aid kit available

• safety checklist

• space is free of hazards

Multiple Choice

True or False: If the teacher has an enthusiasm for healthy and active living than this will create a positive classroom atmosphere.

• True

• False